Looking for a crowd-pleasing chardonnay for the summer? Check out Waypoint, from the Russian River Valley, which produces this wine from Wente clone grapes grown in an iconic single vineyard in the region and ages it for 18 months in 62% new French oak.

In tasting, no big surprises here: This is a well-oaked, classically built chardonnay, heavy on notes of almond candy, nougatine, lemon curd, and, above all else, vanilla custard. Creamy and rich, the wine builds on the palate to showcase elements of coconut and later some floral honeysuckle notes — the conclusion coming across as both moderately, unusually perfumed and mildly acidic, which adds a refreshing quality. The late-game finish evokes notes of French toast, light on the syrup. Whew!

B+ / $60

2021 Waypoint Chardonnay Russian River Valley Ritchie Vineyard

$60

8.5

Rating

8.5/10

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